Environment group raises concern over Srinagar-Pahalgam road project

A Kashmir based environment group has expresses its deep concern on the proposed construction of a new road from Srinagar to Pahalgam via Khrew.

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A statement by the Environmental Policy Group said the project, which as per the government involves cutting down of 845 trees and acquisition of 108 kanals of forest land that come in its alignment, is “bound to adversely affect the otherwise fragile environment of the region and ecology of the area through which it passes.”

The group said though the justification for this road primarily centres around the reduction of travel distance by 30 kilometres in comparison to the already existing two roads that lead to Pahalgam, the cost on account of environmental impact due to deforestation and disruption of local biodiversity far outweigh any perceived benefits in terms of cost-benefit ratio.

With two existing roads already connecting Srinagar and Pahalgam, the necessity of this new route is not at all justified, it said.

According to the group, excavating tunnels through mountains are “bound to weaken their rock structure and disrupt vital water sources besides having adverse effects on the ecology of the region, comprising natural landscapes that serve as for communities and wildlife equally.”

Stating that Kashmir falls in seismic zone 5—an area characterised by a high risk of earthquakes—a thorough geographic technical assessment is essential before initiating any tunnelling projects, especially with active and dormant volcanic features.

“The assessment must address subsurface geological conditions to identify fault lines and volcanic activity, which are crucial for avoiding catastrophic failures. Evaluating the geo-hydraulic conditions will help in assessing groundwater impacts and potential hazards during construction,” the group said. “Given the challenging terrain and geological variability in the region, constructability considerations are vital. Additionally, the long-term environmental impact due to seismic activity must be analysed to ensure that local ecosystems are preserved,” it added.

The group has asked government to keep under consideration the devastation and loss of life caused by such activities in Uttarakhand, Himachal, etc.

It said the proposed road is reported to pass through the Notified Wildlife Sanctuary at Tral, and will be detrimental to the wildlife in the sanctuary. The proposed route endangers essential habitats and affects the natural water cycle, which could result in detrimental impacts on both flora and fauna.

The Environmental Policy Group calls for “putting a stop to the planning and development related to the Srinagar-Pahalgam road project until a comprehensive environmental impact assessment is conducted.”

“We urge stakeholders to explore sustainable alternatives that prioritise conservation and protect our invaluable natural resources,” the group said.